Operation of Mapo-gu Mental Health Welfare Center

Free Specialist Consultation and Treatment Support... Youth-Targeted Mental Health SNS Supporters, Operation of Ma-eum Ae Anshim Store... Efforts for Early Detection and Awareness Improvement

Amid recent social concerns caused by violent crimes committed by some individuals with mental illnesses, interest in and the importance of mental health management are being highlighted more than ever.

Mapo-gu (Mayor Park Gang-su) announced that it is actively operating the Mapo-gu Mental Health Welfare Center on the 3rd floor of the Seongsan 1-dong Community Center to promote the mental health of residents and assist in the treatment and social adaptation of individuals with mental illnesses.

Through the Mental Health Welfare Center, the district provides a “Mind Health Primary Care Consultation” where psychiatrists offer free consultations, and a “Visiting Mental Health Counseling Service” where mental health professionals visit individuals directly to provide counseling.

Last year, over 1,600 residents used the Mental Health Welfare Center for counseling, playing a crucial role in the early detection and treatment of mental illnesses to prevent the worsening of conditions.

In particular, according to a 2022 survey by the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, the increase in mental and behavioral disorders among men and women in their 20s due to employment and academic stress (a 12.8% rise compared to 2015) was the highest. In response, the district is focusing on the youth by operating the “Mental Health SNS Supporters” and “Maeumae (愛) Safe Store” projects.

These initiatives consider the characteristics of young people who frequently use SNS and cafes. Sixteen SNS supporters have been trained to promote the district’s mental health projects and improve awareness of mental disorders. Additionally, QR codes providing mental health self-assessment checklists and related information have been installed in seven local restaurants and cafes, allowing users to access mental health information without any burden.

A district official emphasized, “Early detection and treatment are most important for mental illnesses, and rather than having vague fears about mental disorders, awareness improvement based on accurate information should also be achieved.”

For individuals with severe (chronic) mental illnesses, the district implements symptom management, home visits for counseling, rehabilitation programs, and family education to enable daily living. Furthermore, to prevent treatment interruptions due to financial difficulties, the district supports psychiatric consultation fees and medication costs, helping ensure continuous treatment and management of the illness.

Moreover, the Mapo-gu Public Health Center has formed a “Mental Emergency Council” with the Mental Health Welfare Center, police, and firefighters to protect residents’ safety and support smooth resolution in psychiatric crisis situations.

Mayor Park Gang-su of Mapo-gu stated, “Problems caused by mental illnesses require efforts and attention not only from the police but also from hospitals and the local community.” He added, “We will do our best to strengthen the mental health safety net of the community through project implementation to promote the mental health of Mapo residents and organic cooperation with related organizations.”

The district announced plans to hold a public lecture titled “Warm Communication Class with Announcer Lee Geum-hee” on October 10, ‘Mental Health Day,’ and to collaborate with 15 institutions such as local welfare centers to promote understanding and awareness improvement regarding mental health.